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14 Feb 2013

Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo

Renault don't do short names anymore. Gone is the Renault 5 Turbo or Renault 4. Now we get monstrosities such as the Dynamique S MediaNav dCi 90 Stop & Start ECO and, in this case, Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.

What is it?

It's a 5 door, 1.6 litre turbocharged, 200hp, 177 lb ft, 1204kg hot hatch. A real, proper, French, hot hatch rather than one of the über-powerful hot hatches like the A 45 AMG or S3, which means it competes with the Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTi.

How fast is it?

It'll do 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, which is perfectly adequate for a small, 1200kg car. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a semi-automatic dual clutch gearbox. It doesn't come with a manual option, which is a shame. It'll go fast round corners too with a MacPherson front axle arrangement, big 320mm brakes, a trick differential, lowered suspension, quick steering and 18" wheels.

What else does it have?

Loads. Bluetooth, multimedia system, Renaultsport front seats, special dials you probably won't be able to see (take a look at the photo) and red trim all over the cabin. It also comes with a flap in the exhaust so you can hear the little 4 pot screaming away in the cabin. As well as that the stereo will play different engine noises. Renault's engineers must be having a little dig at BMW and their Active Sound System with that one.

When is it on sale and how much will it cost?

You can order one in April and take delivery in June. Prices are to be confirmed but will probably be around the £20,000 mark.